There are a variety of camera options available for the homeowner.  The typical application involves a camera(s), video modulator, and distribution via coax throughout the house to all televisions (or dedicated monitors).

These can be set up to record on a VCR or time-lapse VCR under certain circumstances, and they definitly have their place.  They are what I would recommend (typically) for outdoor applications.

The webcam is another animal, and there are a multitude of choices.  (I'm using both the regular videocam and webcam in a home that I'm currently building.  In fact, we're putting a video together of the process of automating a home from construction to finish - but more of that later ...)

Two available webcams that I've recently considered are from www.xanboo.com and www.inetcam.com. 

Both of these companies make software and hardware that allows you to upload snapshots or live video to a website for remote viewing, either in real-time or at a later date.

What this means from a security perspective is that your recorded data is safe from intruders.  For instance, if you record a break-in on your VCR, that's great!

What if he steals your VCR?  ... DOH!!!

With the webcam (which can be triggered by a built-in motion detector), video is safe on either your own personal website, or on that of  Xanboo or Inetcam ...

Which brings us down to the differences between the two: Cost.

Xanboo offers a hardware package which is very reasonably priced, about $49.00 for the webcam, built in motion detector and other supporting devices.  However, a subscription to their website is required to use its features (just shy of $10.00 a month).  Pretty nice features, though - video e-mail, etc. (check out their website at the above link).

Inetcam has both a hardware/ software combo package, and a software-only package.  This means if you already have a webcam, you can use their software.  The prices start at about $49.00 for software - $99.00 for the security (motion detection) features.  Also, a subscription to their website service is only about $29.00 a year.  Considerably less expensive!

I'm going to share an idea with you, & hope I'm not doing Xanboo a disservice ( I kinda' wonder if Xanboo doesn't sell their hardware at such a great price because they hope to make it up in subscriptions - but you can sort that out with your own conscience ...).

The thing is, Xanboo's hardware works just fine with Inetcam's software!  So you have $49.00 for the hardware, & maybe $99.00 for the software and a year's subscription (I think?).

It's pretty inexpensive technology, but state of the art!

If you already have a webcam, you can visit Inetcam's site and download a 3 day trial version to check it out.

IF YOU NEED helpful advice on how to automate your home from start to finish, check out http://www.integratorpro.com/ for my helpful e-book, "Integrating the Smart Home and its Owner."   It's packed with step-by-step instructions and specific product recommendations.

Over the years I've found these to be some of the most cost-effective quality alternatives to the high priced systems sold through custom installation companies.

P.S. - I'm assembling a video which walks through an actual home automation installation, from construction and pre-wire to completion. Naturally this will take some time as the home is currently being built, but it should be ready for release in early to mid-summer. I think I'll call it "Integrating the Smart Home and ME, the Owner"

... (hey, it's my house).

I'll be sure to keep you posted.


If you have any suggestions or comments, please enter them below.

...or send an e-mail to mailto:comments@integratorpro.comwith your thoughts.

Thanks again,

Andy Jackson,
Integratorpro.com